English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

May 1, 2026

Dear Beech Tree Families,

I just want to take a moment to say thank you for helping make Staff Appreciation Week feel so special for our team. It truly meant a lot.

A huge thank you to our PTA for organizing such thoughtful touches throughout the week. The food was amazing, and more importantly, it gave our staff time to pause, connect, and feel appreciated. That kind of care goes a long way.

One of my favorite moments was walking into the building on Monday and being greeted by the beautiful artwork. It was such a warm, joyful way to start the week. The creativity and effort behind it really set the tone and reminded all of us how lucky we are to be part of this community.

We are grateful every day for your support, but this week was an especially meaningful reminder of the partnership we share.

Thank you for taking such good care of our teachers and staff.

📚 Halfway Through Uncovering History in Language Arts 📚

We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 7 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored why the past is important, how communities evolve, and ancient cultures. 

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

• Question: What is one thing people in the past did differently from us? Would you want to live back then? Why or why not?
• Activity: Ask your child to pretend they’ve created a new world. What would they name it? Who would live there?  What would it look like and how would it change over time? Have them draw a picture.

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.

Wishing you a restful and enjoyable weekend,

Principal Clarke & Assistant Principal Barry

📸 Snapshot: Of Our Week in Pictures 📸

📝 Important SOL Testing Dates

Please mark your calendars! To help your student perform their best, please try to avoid scheduling appointments on these specific assessment days.

🌟 5 Tips for a Successful Test Day

We want our students to feel confident and ready to shine! Here is how you can help at home:

1. 💤 Catch Some Zzz’s: It is important that students get plenty of rest the night before the test.
2. 🍳 Fuel Up: A nutritious breakfast provides the energy needed for focus and concentration.
3. ⏰ Beat the Clock: Please ensure students arrive at school on time.
4. ⏳ No Need to Rush: Remind your child that these tests are not a race. They may take as much time as they need to finish.
5. ❤️ Positive Vibes: A little encouragement goes a long way! Remind them to simply breathe and do their very best.

📌May 14-PTA Meeting Virtual 6:30pm

            Zoom Link will be sent out at 6:00pm 

📌May 20-Wednesday Early Dismissal 1:00pm-(Kindergarten-5th Gr. Only)

📌May 25-Holiday Memorial Day-No School

📌May 26-Teacher Workday-No School
📌May 27-Eid al-Adha-No School

📌May 28-PTA Spring Fling 6:30pm

**Please reference the 2025-2026 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.  Attendance counts and everyday matters! **

*To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, we kindly request that parents or guardians accompany their children to school events*

Beech Tree Elementary's Spring Pictures are now online!

 Hello Beech Tree Elementary Families!

Victor O'Neill Studios recently held Spring portrait day at our school and pictures are now online. All orders will include free shipping until May 12th. Please use the link below to view your student's Spring photos.

https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001356031

Please remember, the online code is the Student ID Number. 

For questions about orders, please email underclass@vosphoto.com

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources. 

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School. 

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar

The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.

Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30). 

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S)offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to call 571-423-4121 with questions.

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. 

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

📅Future Beech Tree ES Early Release Dates

The following Wednesdays are early release days, with a release time of 1:00 pm:

• May 20

Nominate Our Outstanding Beech Tree Staff

Take a moment to acknowledge and affirm a Beech Tree staff member when they go above and beyond in demonstrating care and dedication that ensures every one of our students is seen, heard, and valued. FCPS Cares. All FCPS Cares nominees are considered for an additional monthly award.

☎️ Family Information Phone Lines

FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.

Beech Day=Lunch Visits

Beech Days (Open Days in YELLOW):

These are the days you can come to school and have lunch with your student:

Lunch Schedule

Unavailable Days Due to Wednesday Early Release (in RED):

These are the dates where Beech Days are unavailable because of early release closures:

• There will be no Beaver Beech lunch days during the month of May due to SOL testing which may alter the daily lunch schedules. 
• Beech Days will return during the month of June.

We encourage family members to enjoy the same lunch as their child, whether it's a packed lunch or from the school cafeteria. To maintain the integrity of our meal program, we kindly request refraining from bringing fast food options.

On the day of your child's scheduled lunch, please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in at the office. Our staff will direct you to the cafeteria. As you depart, please remember to check out at the office. For those opting to purchase lunch from the cafeteria, adult pricing is $5.00 and non-FCPS students under the age of 18 price is $3.25, payable in cash. For more details on lunch options, please click here.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• Summer Learning
• Mental Health Resources
• Thank You, Bus Drivers and Food Service Workers

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

Beech Tree School Information

Hours:  9:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:05 a.m. for arrival)

Attendance Line:  703-531-2626

Attendance Email: BeechTreeElem.Attendance@fcps.edu

School Registrar: Sandra Merino (703) 531-2620

Family Liaison: Ivett Rivas Urbano (703) 531-2601

Stay updated, sign up for 

Beech Tree Elementary Family Newsletters with News You Choose

3401 Beechtree Lane, Falls Church, VA 22042  | Main Phone: 703.531.2600
Attendance: 703.531.2626 | Web | Twitter